Robert Jay Cowlishaw

Bob, who died at age 79 on May 5, 2021 in Fort Myers, Fla., was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in December 1941. He was a Michigan State University graduate who became a captain in the Air Force, saw much of the world and served his country as a navigator in Vietnam. He was an owner of Grand Rapids Wood Finishing. Bob found his true calling, however, in exotic animals -- monkeys, birds, turtles, alligators and especially snakes and lizards. He worked as a tour guide at the Miami Serpentarium, traversed South America on zoological expeditions and would go on to own Captain Bob's Animal Kingdom in Lakeland, Fla., and Everglades Day Safari in Fort Myers, Fla.

While largely retired at the time of his passing, Bob did the occasional tours and took care of numerous snakes, lizards, birds and dogs out of his Fort Myers home with the help of his VERY patient and understanding wife of 34-plus years and favorite all-time mammal Leslie Cowlishaw (nee Wood). We are convinced Bob held out health-wise to reach his 34th wedding anniversary just two days before his sudden passing. His ideal Saturday was spending time with Leslie, his dogs Maxwell, Jazmin and Daisy and rooting big time for University of Michigan football (despite being a Sparty grad!) with a Bud Light or two. He also leaves behind children Tiffani, Matt and Elisha.

The world is a "Much Less Interesting" place without Bob.